Genetic Test for Color Vision

Color Vision Testing Has Been Revolutionized by Molecular Medicine

The US National Institute of Health has declared that "genetic medicine has come of age." We are entering a new era of medicine and the field of Ophthalmology will be at the forefront. Genetic testing will be a standard tool for the diagnosis of disorders and disease.

An important fact is that there is a huge variation among people who are considered color blind. A small percentage of people diagnosed as colorblind have a minimal form. They cannot do tasks that require a critical eye for colored things, such as being a gemologist. However, they can do most tasks a person with normal color can do. In contrast, fully 1/3 of people classified as color blind have severe forms of the condition. People with severe red-green color blindness are not completely color blind; however, they are much closer to being completely color blind than they are to normal. Everyone else with a color vision deficiency is intermediate between the minimal and severe forms. We now know that the implications for color blindness on a person's life are dramatically dependent on the type and severity, which can be determined accurately with the patented, Eyedox genetic test.

Everyone who has a color vision deficiency needs and deserves to have accurate information about the nature of their color vision. Unfortunately, even highly trained optometrists and ophthalmologists are unable to objectively discuss color vision deficiency with their patients because of a lack of a proper diagnosis. A growing number of everyday activities and professions rely on color vision. Presently, the most widely used test of color blindness is Ishihara's Test. Japanese ophthalmologist, Dr. Shinobu Ishihara, introduced this in 1917. It is long out dated and does not reflect any of our current knowledge of the nature of color blindness. It was not designed to distinguish among different levels of severity of color vision defect. People with the minimal and extreme forms receive the same diagnosis with the Ishihara. Moreover, people, especially children, can be diagnosed as being color blind when they are not. The use of Ishihara's test has, in many ways, done more harm than good. The Eyedox genetic test represents the natural progression of color vision testing. Over the years, we have received emails, calls and letters from thousands of frustrated color blind people. The outcry from patients together with feedback from practicing clinicians who have indicated that a genetic test will change everything for them and that they would use it, if it was available, motivated us to develop the eyedox test as a commercial product.

Ultimately, the Eyedox genetic test for color blindness will be the standard of care administered to all patients. From a clinical point of view, it is just as important to know a patient has normal color vision as it is to know the details of a color vision defect. This is because many vision problems have a color vision abnormality as an early symptom. In order to diagnose and treat such conditions, it is critical to know the patients genetic color vision status. Thus, it is important to understand that potential consumers of the test are not just the world's color blind people--it is everyone.

Types and Sub-Types Diagnosed

Anamolous Trichromacy

Dichromacy

Protanomaly

Protanopia

Deuteranomaly

Deuteranopia

Determining Precise Severity

On a scale of 1-100, 100 being normal, and further categorized as: very mild-mild-medium-strong-very strong. The eyedox genetic test produces the accurate extent of the deficiency, not possible by conventional means. The high specificity of the test eliminates any potential false-positives and provides patients, and physicians alike, with a reliable level of severity.

Customized Treatment Plan

The customized treatment plan is specifically tailored to each individual patient. Once the exact type/subtype and the severity of the deficiency is understood, lifestyle changes that can improve quality of life are recommended and problem areas likely to arise in everyday situations can be pointed out. This critical information can improve educational areas and prevent poor occupational decisions.

Family History

The color vision status of other family members can be determined with the Eyedox genetic test, including the likely female obligate carrier.

CPT Codes - Provided with physician enrollment

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